Pros And Cons Of Having A Child Carry The Cremation Urn Into The Funeral Service

At the funeral service of someone who has been cremated, there are many different ways that you can deal with the cremated remains. While having them present in an urn isn't necessary, many people arrange to have the urn sitting somewhere in the room at the funeral home.

For example, having the urn on a table with a photo of the deceased person and perhaps some mementos is a common approach. Others have a family member walk into the room carrying the urn after the service has begun, and set the urn somewhere in a place of prominence. If there are children in the immediate family, you may be thinking about assigning this role to them. Here are some considerations.

Pro: It Gets The Child Involved

It can sometimes be a challenge to get a child involved in a funeral service if you wish to do so. For example, the child might be too young to give the eulogy or read a scripture passage. Carrying the urn with the cremated remains is a simple task that can often be suitable for children. You can practice with the child before the service so that he or she knows exactly what to do.

Con: Disaster Could Strike

Perhaps the biggest drawback to considering this idea is that the child could drop the urn, resulting in a major disaster at the funeral service. While it's technically true that someone of any age could have such an accident, children are often more predisposed to such situations. A child who is looking around as he or she walks, for example, may trip and drop the urn.

Pro: It Could Be Cathartic

Children mourn in their own way, and while adults can rely on grief counseling and talking to others, children may sometimes bottle up their feelings if they haven't previously experienced the death of a loved one. You may find that having your child participate in the funeral service in this way is a cathartic process for him or her — the idea of carrying his or her grandparent's remains, for example, may start the healing.

Con: It Could Be Emotional

Even if the child appreciates the opportunity to contribute in this way, it's hard for him or her estimate how the process could go. The somber nature and the importance of the moment could hit the child, and he or she could be overcome by emotion. This can make it hard for the child to complete the task, and also very emotional to watch for those who are in attendance.

Contact a company like Final Care Cremation Services for more information and assistance. 

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